VMI 3500

FAQs

VMI 3500 Frequently Asked Questions

Please choose from the list below of common VMI 3500 Buffer frequently asked questions.



1. How often should I use my VMI Cleaner Disc?

The VMI 3500 will indicate when it is time to run a cleaning cycle for the buffing wheels. After 15 cycles the USE CLEANER DISC lights will flash indicating that after the next cycle the cleaner disc should be used. After the 16th cycle, the USE CLEANER DISC lights will flash, and the unit will sound a tone, indicating that a cleaning cycle should be run. The unit will continue to tone until a cleaning cycle has been run on deep buff.

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2. Why is the VMI Cleaner Disc important?

During the buffing process your wheels get dirty and stiff, which can result in damaged media and decrease pad life. The VMI Cleaner Disc cleans and softens the pads.

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3. How do I clean my VMI Cleaner Disc?

Apply glass cleaner to the surface of your VMI Cleaner Disc and let it sit for one minute. Using a paper towel, wipe the buildup off the disc. Start from the center and work your way out. Make sure your VMI Cleaner Disc is dry before use. For additional information follow the directions outlined in the manual.

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4. How many times should I clean my VMI Cleaner Disc?

You should be able to operate the VMI Cleaner Disc between 3-6 times before cleaning is necessary.

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5. Can I clean a 3 inch disc?

Yes, but you must place the three inch adapter on the platter before placing the three inch disc in the unit for cleaning/repair. For additional information follow the directions outlined in the manual.

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6. Can I run a 3 inch disc without an adapter?

No! This will damage your 3 inch disc and rubber platter.

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7. Why is AC Liquid important?

AC LiquidTM is a unique formula developed by VenMill to accomplish a few tasks: prevent a static charge during the buffing process, increase and control the heat during the buffing process resulting in an improved repair, condition the disc restoring its optical clarity. If used properly, one bottle of AC Liquid should average approximately 750 repairs.

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8.Must I use the AC LiquidTM on my disc?

Definitely! Besides the inferior results of the repair, the static charge produced during a repair can create unpredictable errors in the unit and may damage the unit.

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9. What if I see hazing on the disc after it has been repaired?

Hazing may be caused by your buffing wheels being very dry. You will need to use more than the recommended dab of AC LiquidTM the first few times you use the machine to increase the moisture level in the wheels. Once this is achieved you should not see any hazing effects on your discs and you may return to the suggested application.

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10. What if my disc has a greasy film after repair?

If your disc has a greasy film, it may be due to an excessive amount of chemical buildup on your buffing wheels. We recommend that you run your VMI Cleaner Disc once and then continue repairing discs without using the AC LiquidTM until there is no more greasy film occurring on the disc.

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11. The center of my disc still has AC Liquid on it after a repair.

The buffing wheels never touch the very center of the disc. If there is AC liquid in the center it can be wiped away. To prevent this only use the AC Liquid on the recorded portion of the disc.

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12. Is it normal for my cartridge to still have liquid even though the unit says it is empty?

Yes it is possible for the cartridges to still contain liquid when the machine tells you that it is empty. The cartridges themselves are filled with a fixed amount of liquid in order for each cartridge to fulfill the designated amount of sprays the chips on the bottom of the cartridge are designated for. When the spray count is finished there may be left over fluid and propellant in the cartridge.

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13. Why will the machine not detect my cartridge?

On the bottom of both the small and large capacity cartridges there is a green electronic chip. This chip tells the machine that there is a cartridge in place. If the chip is off center or out of alignment, the machine will not detect the cartridge and the main screen will read “No Cart”. Remove the cartridge from the unit and check the placement of the chip. You may need to push the chip over to center it. Other times simply pull the cartridge half way out of the unit, hold the black nozzle with your index finger and thumb, and rotate the cartridge with your other hand 180 degrees. If this still does not help check to make sure that there are no leaks in the cartridge. Liquid will damage the electronic components. For further assistance please contact Technical Support at 800-928-0090.

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14. How many times can I clean/repair a disc?

This is the best feature of owning an Elite 60 unit. You can never clean/repair a disc too many times. However you should never run a disc two times consecutively without letting the disc cool to room temperature after each repair cycle.

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15. Can I clean a disc that is warped or cracked?

No! This may result in further damage to the media or your unit.

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16. Can I clean a 3 inch disc?

Yes, but you must place the three inch disc in the provided three inch adapter. For additional information follow the directions outlined in the manual.

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17. Can I run a 3 inch disc without an adapter?

No! This will damage your 3 inch disc and will cause damage to the unit.

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18. Can I run a Blu-Ray disc in this machine?

Yes! The Elite 60 unit at this point can only clean and maintain Blu-Ray discs. The Elite 60 will not repair a Blu- Ray disc.

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19. What do I do if I see hazing or faint lines on the disc after it has been repaired?

This is caused by an excessive amount of buildup on your buffing wheel. We recommend that you run your Clean Wheel option. Depending on the level of buildup, it may take several attempts to clean off all of the buildup. If you do not see any improvement you will need to change your wheels.

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20. Why don’t I have power to my unit?

Make sure the jack to the power cord is fully seated into the unit. Check the black power cube that is connected to the power cord and check to see if the light is green. If not, there is an issue with the power cube. Sometimes during shipping the front panel will come loose from the main body of the unit. When this happens the machine will appear to not have power. Push the front panel as far as it will go. For additional help please email VenMill’s Technical Support Department at Support@venmill.com or call at 800.928.0090.

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21. My Unit turns off after thirty minutes of continuous use.

There is a thermal switch inside of the unit which prevents the unit and the digital media from overheating and damaging itself. This switch turns power off to the entire unit and makes the machine go through a cool down mode. A message will appear on the main screen along with a counter (10 minutes). Please do not unplug the machine at this time since doing so will result in damage. The unit will power up when the temperature drops sufficiently.

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22. Where do I go to order consumables for my unit?

You can currently order consumables through VenMill directly or through our current distributors located on our website under the distributors’ tab. If you have any question please call us at 800.928.0090 or email Sales@venmill.com.

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23. My concern is not listed, what do I do?

For further assistance with questions not included please first refer to our website. If you still are unable to find an answer to your problem then please email VenMill’s Technical Support Department at Support@venmill.com or call at 800.928.0090

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